9 Most Scenic Drives in New York
New York is a bustling city full of life, diverse cultures, a robust economy, and an enchanting cityscape. But sometimes, the heart desires an escape from modernity into the warm arms of nature. To fulfill this need, a scenic road trip outside New York is required to witness the raw and untamed beauty of the state’s various natural features, from lakes and mountains to rivers, vineyards, and forests. From the Catskill Mountains Scenic Byway to the Lakes to the Central Adirondack Trail, here are the most scenic drives to bask in the beauty of New York. Even better, these road trips slice through some of the state’s most charming towns, offering more than just the views but opportunities to experience the culture, food, and histories of some of New York’s earliest settlements.
Southern Adirondack Trail
Stretching 112 miles through the heart of the Adirondack Mountains, the Southern Adirondack Trail is a masterpiece of natural beauty and historic charm. The adventure begins in the town of Herkimer, where visitors can explore the glittering Herkimer Diamond Mines, famous for their unique quartz crystals. Before hitting the road, history enthusiasts should stop by the Herkimer County Historical Society Museum for a glimpse into the region's storied past.
As the trail unfolds, it meanders through quaint towns like Little Falls and Dolgeville, each offering opportunities to stretch your legs and soak in the local character. Highlights along the route include the shimmering waters of Pine Lake and Piseco Lake, perfect for a peaceful picnic or a quiet moment of reflection. End your journey in Speculator, where the Lake Pleasant area offers cozy accommodations and a warm welcome. Before heading home, visit the Pleasant Lake Inn Restaurant for a hearty meal.
Ithaca to Watkins Glen
At just 24 miles, the trip from Ithaca to Watkins Glen may be short, but it surprisingly punches more than its weight in terms of things to see and do. First off, nature lovers can start their trip with some fun at attractions like Buttermilk Falls and Cornell Botanical Gardens in Ithaca. After taking in the beautiful flowers and cascading waters, continue to Enfield via the NY-13, where the Robert H. Treman State Park showcases dramatic gorges and wooded trails.
On the other hand, visitors can take the NY-79 at a slower pace. On this route, the Hungry Burd in Burdett is a great place to stop for delicious salads and chicken. Once you arrive in Watkins Glen, few places can match the charm of Watkins Glen State Park, the town’s most famous attraction. It features waterfalls, imposing cliffs, and exciting trails like the 1.5-mile Gorge Trail for an outdoor retreat at the end of your 40-minute journey.
Seneca Lake Scenic Byway
If there’s one road trip to take in New York, it should be the Seneca Lake Scenic Byway. This byway is perfect for an escape from the state’s often chaotic cities as it stretches for 19 miles from Watkins Glen to Lodi, straddling the coast of Seneca Lake. Starting in Watkins Glen, the byway follows Route 414, leading travelers through the rolling vineyards of the Finger Lakes region. The journey is a feast for the senses, with stops at renowned wineries like Catharine Valley Winery and Hector Wine Company, offering tastings of the area's finest vintages. That said, make sure you have a designated driver who isn’t drinking on the journey.
Adventure seekers will find plenty to explore at the Finger Lakes National Forest, where over 30 miles of trails invite hikers to lose themselves in nature. Further along the route, Hector Falls tumbles down a rocky cliff, providing a picture-perfect pitstop. End your journey at Lodi Point State Marine Park, where picnic spots beckon overlooking scenic waters.
North Country Scenic Byway
The North Country Scenic Byway was once used by the military to transport supplies and troops from Lake Champlain to Saint Lawrence Seaway. Previously known as the Military Trail, this enchanting drive is now a favorite offering picturesque scenery of the Adirondack Mountains and its numerous water bodies for more than 110 miles from Rouses Point to Canton. From the start of the byway at Rouses Point, travelers will enjoy gorgeous views of Lake Champlin as the ride makes its way on Route 11 to Champlin. Travelers can unwind at the Four Maples Vineyard & Winery with great wine before proceeding to Mooers to enjoy big portions of homemade food at the Sandi’s Kountry Kitchen.
The next town on the route is Chateaugay, where a 120-foot-high fall will delight nature lovers. If you’re in for a bit of a detour, adventure buffs can storm the Robert Moses State Park in Massena to relax on a swimming beach or picnic area, hike through forests and wetlands, and fish in the Saint Lawrence River. Once at Canton, travelers can spend the remaining time watching birds at the Indian Creek Nature Center and trying out some Italian meals at Sergi’s in Canton.
The Catskill Mountains Scenic Byway
The Catskill Mountains Scenic Byway promises visitors endless and captivating mountain vistas as it slices through the Catskill Mountains from Olive to the Andes. Along its 65-mile stretch, travelers will be thrilled by historic communities, farmlands, waterways, and the enduring mountain scenery that form the basis of the byway. From Olive, travelers can simply enjoy the scenery undisturbed and then make a first stop for some comfort food at the Phoenicia Diner in Phoenicia, one of the best restaurants in America with amazing reviews. This restaurant is also just a great place to people-watch as it gets super busy.
As the byway meanders through the heart of the Central Catskills, travelers can ease the experience by relaxing at Belleayre Lake in Pinehill. The route eventually terminates at Andes, but before that, nature lovers can head to the Blue Deer Center in Margaretville to reconnect with the outdoors. This 93-acre site is considered sacred and has a river of peace running through it, while the surrounding area booms with rich plants and animals.
Central Adirondack Trail
Travelers seeking to immerse in the untamed natural beauty of New York can always count on the 153-mile arc-shaped Central Adirondack Trail. From the shimmering Hudson River in Glen Falls, the trail stretches northward to Lake George where travelers can immerse in the area’s history at Fort William Henry Museum and relax at Million Dollar Beach.
From here, the trail makes its way to Blue Mountain Lake and then goes southward, cutting through the Fulton Chain of Lakes and reaching Old Forge, where the Enchanted Forest Water Sarafi awaits to offer thrilling experiences. This waterpark is the largest in New York, with over 50 rides and attractions, including more than 30 heated outdoor water rides. Visit this park for an intense splashing session and then head 50 miles to the town of Rome to wrap up the trip with some historic adventures at the Rome Historical Society & Museum and Fort Stanwix National Monument, built in the 1750s.
Upper Delaware Scenic Byway
The Upper Delaware Scenic Byway is a spectacular 70-mile stretch of road running along the Delaware River from Port Jervis to Hancock on the New York/Pennsylvania border. From Port Jervis, travelers will enjoy sweeping vistas of the river and valleys carpeted with colorful trees as the byway weaves through the Pocono Mountains. A few miles on the byway, the Hawk's Nest in Deerpark town awaits to thrill travelers with its serpentine shape and breathtaking aerial views of the river.
While enjoying the views, history buffs can stop at the Fort Delaware Museum in Narrowsburg to learn about Pioneers who settled in the Upper Delaware River Valley in the 1750s when the area was still a rugged wilderness. This town is also a great place to enjoy lunch at Heron Restaurant. At Hancock, adventurers yearning to explore the Upper Delaware River can rent equipment from local outfitters and hit the waters to kayak and fish.
Mohawk Towpath Scenic Byway
Experience the Erie Canal's rich history and the Mohawk River's scenic beauty on this 26-mile visually stunning drive from Waterford to Schenectady. Although short, the byway offers abundant views of the Mohawk River while bypassing several quaint towns where the rich history of the area is preserved and interpreted. From Route 32 in Waterford, this byway leads to the Vischer Ferry Nature & Historic Park in Clifton Park, which is a hub for various activities, including hiking and fishing. Covering approximately 700 acres, this natural area is endowed with wetlands teaming with plants and wildflowers, wildlife, and a host of migratory birds like Egrets and Green herons.
From here, the historic byway winds through several towns that played huge roles in the westward expansion before ending at Schenectady, where the area's most famous historic attraction awaits exploration. Covering an 82-acre area, the Stockade Historic District is the city's oldest neighborhood, established as a permanent settlement by the Dutch in 1660. In 1962, it became the first locally designated historic district in New York. Today, the district preserves a large concentration of Dutch and English buildings dating to the 17th and 18th centuries. Stroll through this district and stop at the Schenectady County Historical Museum to learn about the area's history and its early settlers.
North Fork Trail Scenic Byway
The North Fork Trail Scenic Byway is a stunning drive winding through Long Island for 36 miles from Southold to Orient Point. This drive is a great way to experience the tastes, sights, and sounds of Long Island. Starting from Southhold, the picturesque journey presents uninterrupted views of the Atlantic Ocean, and a short detour southwest takes travelers past great wineries like Macari Vineyard in Mattituck and Sannino Vineyard in Cutchogue. Stop at any of these wineries to get a taste of the region's finest wines with impressive countryside views. Or, buy some bottles to enjoy after you’re done with the drive!
Further into the journey, adventure lovers can divert to Inlet Pond County Park in Greenport to explore the region's woodlands, shrubs, and oak forests via a short 1.5-mile trail. At Orient, travelers can put their vehicle to rest and see the historic Orient Point Lighthouse, built in 1899. For a more relaxing experience at the end of the journey, head to Truman's Beach to swim and fish in the waters.
Conclusion
New York is such a blessed territory with much to see and do. While there are other ways to explore the state, scenic drives offer a detailed way to see so much in little time. Thankfully, the state is full of such roads slicing through the state’s most iconic natural and historic attractions and bypassing quaint towns and villages. From the long list, these scenic drives have been carefully selected as they have something for everybody. From captivating vistas of iconic natural features like waterbodies and mountain peaks to parks and historic attractions, these stretches of roads have so much to thrill travelers willing to hit the road.
